CCWS 02-17-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - FEBRUARY 17. 1998 3 . legality of releasing dedicated park lands; the City's intention for no variances to be issued on the property; status of taxes and property classification; reduction in the Snelling A venue Right -of- Way to make the lots buildable; and the type of action to be taken in acquiring the title. Council directed staff to continue working with Councilmember Hicks in attempting to contact Mr. Kenna for his response and closure on this item. e. AlIiant Techsystems Mr. Fritsinger reviewed a January 29, 1998 letter received from Alliant Techsystems, in response to a February 25, 1997 letter to Alliant from the City inquiring about AlIiant's interest in meeting to explore potential consolidation. Mr. Fritsinger sought direction on the long-term ramification of AlIiant' s interest, and in determining when and if the City was interested in pursuing consolidated Phase II planning efforts for TCAAP. Mr. Fritsinger stated that he was anticipating another letter from Alliant within the next week, detailing more precisely Alliant's intentions. Mayor Probst stated that, contrary to public statements, Alliant had apparently changed their position on their future at TCAAP, following their union negotiations several years ago, and their . ability to pursue outsourcing options. Mayor Probst discussed previous inquiries received by the City from Alliant over the past year, and the City's initial request for Alliant to delay further action for several months due to other pending City priorities. Mayor Probst stated it was clear that AlIiant was again aggressively pursuing future TCAAP planning, and seeking public participation in their restructuring process. Mayor Probst stated that he has suggested to AlIiant that they provide some financial incentives for the City to pursue a consolidated planning effort, but that Alliant has not pursued this avenue to-date. Mayor Probst advised Councilmembers and staff that, since the City is ultimately responsible for fire and police protection, as well as infrastructure improvements at TCAAP, it was imperative that the City maintain an active leadership role. Discussion items included, past and pending legislation regarding the GSA excessing process and research being done by DOD attorneys; Alliant's investment in the process and proposed consolidation; Alliant's environmental responsibilities on TCAAP; excessing and the GSA honoring the City's comprehensive plan; AlIiant's national presence to draw on a broader base for necessary legislation to potentially by-pass the GSA process; whether the City wished to have Alliant represent the City's interests, or seek out independent assistance; potential of Alliant seeking economic development incentives from the State of a neighboring community. Council directed staff to continue discussions with Alliant, with no implied pressure to meet Alliant's imposed deadline of March 3 I, 1998, and to pursue AlIiant's specific financial request . and development of the overall plan for the site. Staff was directed to keep in mind the City's interests in the earliest possible consolidation, the City's expectations and time frame, and methods the City will and will not pursue to achieve these goals.